What is freedom?

Well, if we turn to Pope John Paul the Great, we are told:
"Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought."

How hard is it to live by a motto such as this, especially when living in America, where the term "Freedom" rings loudly wherever you go.

Culturally, when we think of freedom, we think of having the right to do what we like- the freedom to go where we want to go, do what we want to do, and have what we want to have- as long as we are not "hurting" another person. But if we live like this, are we really hurting no one? Are there things that we do because we have the "freedom" to do them, but we know that we should not do them?

What about this idea of freedom: True freedom is the freedom from the chains of sin.

To really understand this idea, we have to delve more deeply into definitions- what is the definition of sin? How does sin chain us? Do we not have free will, the will to do what we like? How does sin control us, control our minds, control our actions? We do NOT like to think of being controlled by something or someone. So how would you react, if you were told that you were being controlled by Satan, if you were told that you were being controlled by the ravages that sin has taken on you?

And... how do I obtain this freedom? How can I become freed from the chains of sin, from the pull of temptation? What kind of life do I have to live if I am going to be open to this freedom? What will I have to give up to be free? What am I willing to give up to be free?

Ah... the pull of the Sacraments. The pull of the Church. The pull of LOVE! I cannot be truly free without LOVE- true love- faithful love-unending love- a covenantal love.

This year, I have begun helping out as a catechist in RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) at my parish. When I look at the candidates and catechumans, I see the need they have for true Freedom- for true LOVE- for Truth. They come into the room wanting to be filled- not by me- but by our Lord. They Thirst for Christ, even when they don't know exactly what they are thirsting for. They Thirst to be Free!

Freedom... True Freedom.... given by Love Himself.

In Christ through Mary,
Michelle